President Launches 'My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal' Campaign

On August 17, 2023, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the ‘My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal’ Campaign as part of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ (Addiction-Free India Campaign). This event was organized by the Brahma Kumaris at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata.

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During the launch, the President emphasized the significance of the youth as a vital national asset. She expressed concern about the unfortunate diversion of the time and energy of the youth towards harmful addictions instead of focusing on building a strong foundation for their future. Smt Droupadi Murmu stressed the importance of educational institutions in identifying any signs of misguided paths that students might be treading. She called for swift action to address such issues if they come to light. The campaign aims to raise awareness and promote efforts to combat addiction, especially among the youth, to pave the way for a healthier and more productive future for Bengal.

More About the ‘My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal’ Campaign

During the event, the President expressed deep concern about the issue of drug abuse, highlighting its negative impact on both society and the nation. She emphasized that such addictions hinder the youth from making the right choices in their lives, which is a cause for worry. The President stressed the importance of addressing this issue comprehensively, involving spiritual awakening, medical intervention, social support, and strong political determination.

Role of Brahma Kumaris

Commending organizations like Brahma Kumaris for their efforts in addressing these challenges, the President underlined that addiction often stems from mental stress and peer pressure. She warned about the harmful consequences of addiction on both physical and mental health, leading to various other disorders. The President also acknowledged the suffering endured by the families and friends of those affected by addiction.

Encouragement

Urging the youth to play a proactive role, the President encouraged them to inform the families of addicted friends about their situation. She provided reassurance that individuals struggling with addiction should seek help from friends, family, or social organizations to cope with stress rather than turn to harmful substances. The President highlighted that anti-social elements often exploit drug usage for their own gain, which can lead to criminal activities.

Concluding on an optimistic note, the President expressed confidence that those battling addiction can overcome it for their personal well-being and for the greater good of society and the nation. Her words aimed to inspire hope and encourage individuals to take the necessary steps to break free from the grip of addiction.

About the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) is a national campaign launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) on August 15, 2020. The campaign aims to reduce the demand for drugs in India by raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse, providing treatment and rehabilitation services to drug addicts, and working to prevent drug trafficking.

NMBA is a three-pronged approach that includes:

Awareness generation: NMBA works to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse through public campaigns, school programs, and community outreach.
Treatment and rehabilitation: NMBA provides treatment and rehabilitation services to drug addicts through a network of hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
Prevention: NMBA works to prevent drug trafficking by working with law enforcement agencies and by educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse.

NMBA is a major undertaking that aims to make India a drug-free society. The campaign is still in its early stages, but it has already made a significant impact on the lives of drug addicts and their families.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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